Unit type multistage auxiliary switch



Sept. 13, 1932. F. H. COLE ET AL 1,877,557

UNIT TYPBIULTISTAGE AUXILIARY SWITCH p 13, 1932. F. H. COLE ET AL 1,377,557

UNIT TYPE HULTISTAGE AUXILIARY SWITCH Filed Dec. 8, 1930 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 b 57 Fig. 6 59 58 I 'gwuwntoz Fred H 002/6 ui ez'n ich Ska/w Patented Sept. 13, 1932 UNITED STATES PAT OFFICE FRED H. COLE AND NEINICH SKAU', OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNORS T0 DELTA-STAR ELECTRIC COMPANY, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, A CORPORATION OF ILLINOIS UNIT TYPE MULTISTAGE AUXILIARY SWITCH Application fled December 8, 1930. Serial No. 500,697.

This unit type mnlti-stageauxiliary switch is designed in a manner so that it can be quickly adjusted for circuit opening or closing without making it necessary to open'the 5 housing to get at the inner parts. The adjustment can be made by simply turning the outside shell ninety degrees so that the contact fingers within the switch will be set at right angles to the position they were in before the switch was adjusted.

It is also a feature of this auxiliary switch to provide an adjustment which permits the closing of a circuit at a predetermined point without changing the operating lever. This adjustment is simple and is accomplished by removing a machinescrew within the housing of the switch and changing the position of the same until the desired circuit condition is obtained. The separate switch units may be turned in stacked formation, if desired, being held together securely. This structure permits the switch to be easily set so that a circuit may be opened or closed at a predetermined point without interfering with other adjustments in the operation of the switch.

A feature of the auxiliary switch resides in the structure wherein separate trays are provided for the spring contact fingers and in the large wire space provided by the shape of the switch housings or units, making a practical and desirable structure for the purpose for which the switch is designed. Further, the switch includes means for prevent arcs from traveling between circuits owing to the insulating barrier between the parts or adjacent circuits.

A feature of our invention resides in the novel formation and shape of the trays. These trays are so designed to utilize a mini mum of space and yet to include every necessary feature. The contacts'areshaped so as to be easily accessible and always available. Our switch is designed in such a manner that the phase can be set at an angle which will bring the terminals at any desired position, so that wires can be conveniently brought out on either side. This feature is of an advantage when theswitch must 'be mounted in a confined space, or in a corner.

It, is also a feature to provide this auxiliary unit type multi-stage switch with card holding means for each connection for designating the circuit. In this manner a record can be made for each connection on the respective card held by the tray or unit and this indicationon the card is easily observed as soon as the cover or housing member is lifted to expose the stack of insulating trays for the respective circuits. Further, a dustproof housing or casing is provided which covers all of the insulating trays for the respective circuits so as to make the same Weather-proof and yet easily accessible by removing the casing or housing when it is desired to inspect thestackof trays and their respective circuits within the auxiliary switch. a

A switch of this nature is applicable for controlling the circuits of disconnecting switches, air break switches, oil circuit breakers, indicating lamps, closing coils, trip coils, relays, elevators, interlocks, skip hoists, and many other uses where a switch of this nature is desired in the opening and closing of different circuits and where the adjustment for setting the opening and closing of the circuit at a predetermined point is desirable. A further feature of the auxiliary switch resides in the fact thatadditional stages or insulating tray units may be added at any time without disturbing the other units or the wiring therefor.

It is also possible to use the switch as a control switch, by mounting it upon a panel and providing a regulating handle. Control switches of this type are adaptable for control of oil circuit breakers, or as ammeter transfer, voltmeter and synchronizing purposes. In this modification, a spring means is ordinarily provided to hold the switch in one position. i The manner in which to form a contact between contact fingers on the same side of two adjacent trays, will be described in detail in connection with this modification.

The drawings illustrate the auxiliary switch in aidesirable form in which it may be used.

Figure 1 isa side view of the unit type multi-stage' auxiliary switch, showing the supporting bracket therefor and as it would appear from the outside when closed by the housing.

Figure 2 is a front elevation, partly in section, with the supporting bracket at the back of the same and showing the operating lever at the bottom.

Figure 3 is a section on the line 3-3 of Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a plan view with the cover of the housing removed, showing the cover on top of the upper circuit unit.

Figure 5 is a perspective of the stack of insulating tray units, as they would appear nested together.

Figure 6 is a perspective of one of the insulating tray units removed from the switch.

Figure 7 is a perspective of the rotating contacts for opening and closing the circuits.

Figure 8 is a side view partly in section of our switch in position for use as a control switch, the cover and casing being removed.

Figure 9 is an end view of the switch illustrated in Figure 8, the tray cover member being partially broken away.

Figure 10 is a sectional view on the lines 10-10 of Figure 8.

The drawings illustrate the unit type multi-stage auxiliary switch A which is formed with a supporting bracket 10 and a base 12 projecting horizontally from the bracket 10. The base 12 is formed with a conduit receiving opening 13 which leads into the wire chamber 14 inthe base 12. The base 12 is formed with a depending bracket member 15 which supports the lower end of the rod 17 and an operating lever 18 is connected to a square sleeve 19 which rotates on the rod 17. The switch A is provided with a cylindrical casing or housing 20 which engages around the annular flange 21 formed projecting up from the base 12 and over which the cover 22 fits. A nut 23 engages the upper end of the rod to hold the cover 22 in place.

The cover 22 is formed with an annular depending dripping flange 24 to carry water or moisture away from the top edge of the cylindrical casing 20 as illustrated in Figure 2, and the nut 23 is also formed with an annular drip flange 25 which carries the moisture away from the connection at the top of the housing and easing of the switch A. This provides a weather and dust-tight joint for the operating parts within the housing or casing 20 of the switch A.

The switch A is formed with a base 26 which is adjustably locked or held by the screw 27 on the base 12. The base 12 is provided with a flange 28 which is formed with a series of openings 29 into which the screw 27 may be positioned so as to adjust the base 26 to the desired position.

The base 26 forms a bottom support for the circuit insulating tray units B WlllClllilY be made of any suitable insulating material and are of a cross shaped formation. Each tray B is made of an integral formation out of electrical insulating material, such as bakelite or hard rubber or any other suitable ma terial which has a high electric resistance.

The trays B are formed with a bottom portion 30 while the top is open and a central opening 31 is provided through which the operating sleeve 19 projects. Each insulating tray or unit for the different stages or circuits is provided wth a rotating contact member C formed with the metallic contact brushes 32 which project from each side thereof and which are adapted to open or close the respective circuits. The contact brushes 32 operate to engage with the spring controlled contact. fingers 33 which are located on opposite sides within the trays B. The spring controlled contact fingers 33 are pivotally mounted in the trays at 34 and are held by a suitable spring 35 so as to bear toward the center of the tray B. The contact fingers 33 are formed with an extension 36 on the free end of the same which limits the inward movement of the fingers 33 by enga with the shoulders 37 formed integral with the trays B.

Thus when the rotating contact G is turned so that the brushes 32 are out of engagement with the contact fingers 33 .the ends 36 will engage against the shoulders 37 which being formed of insulating material hold the ends 36 spaced apart sufliciently so that no arcs can travel between the circuits. Each contact finger 33 is held by the metallic n1ount ing 38 which is supported within one of the recesses 39 of the tray B and which is connected by the contact screws 40 so that an electric wire may be connected by the contact screw 40 with the mounting 38, thereby carrying the electric circuit or current directly through to the spring contact finger The trays B are formed of a nature to nest together so as to hold the same in line with the ends 39 alined with each other and by suitable projections and depressions provided adjacent the tubular portion 42 formed in the central arcuated portion 43 of each of the trays, the trays B are held in line, stacked one upon the other forming a stacked formation so that they can be clamped together by the top cross shaped member 44 which is held down by the nut 45 engaging the rod 1'? under the cover 22.

The square operating sleeve 19 which fits over the rod 17 extends through the square hole 46 formed in the rotatable contacts (I so that when the sleeve 19 is operated by the lever 18, the rotating contacts will be moved to cause the brushes 32 to engage or disengage from the contact fingers 33 to open and close the respective circuits in each of the trays or units B. The screw 27 permits the stack of trays to be adjusted so as to open or close a circuit at a predeterminedpoint without interfering with the operating lever system such as 18 and the sleeve 19, while the dowel pin 40 through the tubular portions 42 holds the respective trays B in line and in set position.

Each unit or tray B is provided with card holder grooves 48 so as to receive an indicating card 49 upon which may be designated the circuit for the respective tray.

Thus it is easy to designate the circuit for the individual units or trays and display the same in a prominent place so that when the cover 22 is moved and the casing 20 lifted, the indicating cards 49 may be readily observed.

The base 12 is provided as set forth with the conduit receiving opening 13 which is positioned adjacent the bracket portion 10. This base is also provided with a cover 50 which is held by the screws 51. By removing the cover, access to the base through an elongated opening is provided in the front of the same forsuitable electrical connections, if it is desired, into the base 12.

Our auxiliary switch'accomplishes the advantages set forth providng an auxiliary switch means built up of insulating segment tray units for the respective circuits having an operating sleeve which operates the respective contact members C in the trays, while ready adjustment is provided for shifting thetrays in a stack to change the opening or closing of a circuit at a predetermined point, all of which parts are concealed within the casing to protect the same against dust or moisture. The stack of trays are closed by the cover 44 and if it is desired a longer rod 17 may be provided so that additional insulating circuit trays may be stacked one upon the other. Each tray is provided with projections such as 52 on the top edge which fit into similarly shaped recesses 53 formed in the bottom edges of the trays B. These projections 52 and recesses hold the trays in line and in proper stacked formation so as to aline the same and to hold the trays in proper place.

The unit type multistage auxiliary switch A has a wide range of use and accomplishes very desirable results in a simple and effective manner in each circuit, properly insulated and yet an efiicient contact may be made by the rotating contacts which are operated by the lever 18. The switch may be readily mounted by the bracket 10 and the simplicity of operation, together with the easy adjustment of the circuits and the flexibility of uses of the switch make the same highly desirable in providing an eflicient auxiliary switch of the character set forth.

lVhen the switch A is to beused as a control switch, it is mounted in the manner. illustrated in Figures 8 to 10' of the drawings.

The trays B are held to a pair of interconnected spaced plates 56 by studs 55. This pair of plates 56, spaced by internally threaded tubular members 57, separate the trays B from a mounting panel D. The studs 55 project from the tubular members 57, and into the other end of these same members, a bolt is positioned to hold the plates 56 to the mounting panel D.

Between the spaced plates 56, and secured against turnin upon the shaft 58 of the switch, is provided a collar 59. This collar 59 is formed with a circumferential flange 60 upon one end thereof, and a ring 62 fits about the collar 59 at the other end thereof. An arm 63 is formed integrally with the flange 60, and the ends of a coil spring 64 placed between the flange 60 and the ring 62 are bent around this arm 63 as illustrated in Figure 10 of the drawings. The ends 65 of the spring 64 extend down beside the lower tubular member 57. As the collar 59 rotates with the shaft 58, the arm 63 tightens the spring 64 by carrying with it one end 65 thereof. The other end 65 is prevented from turning in this direction by the member 57. Thus whichever the direction of rotation of the shaft 58, such rotation is against spring tension. Rotation is limited by the lugs 66 striking a projection of the upper tubular member 57.

If it is desired to form a contact between two switch fingers 33 superimposed in adjacent trays B, this may be done in the manner illustrated in Figure 8. Contact fingers 67 are set in insulation rotating members 68 at either end thereof, and are held in position by a metal conducting bolt 69. The fingers 66 are thus electrically connected, and may close a circuit between two superimposed trays. The contact fingers 67 fit into grooves 70 in the members 68 and may be inserted in position in any of the grooves 70.

In the operation of our switch used as a control switch, a knob or handle 73 is held to the shaft 58 against turning by the pin 7 4. The switch is operated by merely turning the knob 73.

In accordance with the patent statutes we have endeavored to set forth the principal features of our auxiliary switch and the adaptations thereof, and while the drawings illustrate a particular construction and arrangement of the parts, obvious variations to those skilled in this art should be considered as a part hereof to the same extent as if mentioned herein within the scope of the following claims.

We claim:

1. An auxiliary electric unit type multistage switch including, a base having a chamber therein, a standard projecting upward from said chamber, a series of insulating circuit tray units, spring operated switch arms within said units, a rotating, contact within each of said units, an operating sleeve supported by said standard, means for operating the same, and easing means adapted to inclose said tray units to protect the same.

2. An electric auxiliary switch comprising, a series of cross-shaped trays made entirely of electrical insulating material, said trays being adapted to nest one within the other, means for holding said trays in stacked formation in line with each other, spring operated switch arms within said trays, a rotatable contact having its body tormed of electrical insulating material and provided with electrical contacts for engaging with said arms to close a circuit, means for inclosing said trays to protect the same from the weather, means for operating said rotatable contacts in the respective trays in unison, and means for collectively adjusting the position of the stacked trays to change their operating position.

3. An auxiliary switch made up of a series of insulated tray sections for each circuit, pivoted switch arms within each tray section, rotatable contacts for operating with said arms to open and close a circuit, means for operating said contacts, means for adjusting said trays in stacked relation to change their relative position of the opening and closing of the respective circuits of each tray, and means for inclosing said trays to protect the same from the weather.

4. An auxiliary switch having a series of tray sections, superimposed one upon the other in line with each other, means for holding said trays in set position, each tray being formed entirely of insulating material, conductor mountings within said trays, switch arms pivotally supported on said mountings, spring means for operatin said switch arms toward each other, insulating shoulders formed in said trays for holding the free ends of said arms apart, a rotatable contact for each pair of operating arms having con tact brushes projecting therctrom and connected, an insulated body formed over said contacting brushes to virtually entirely embed the same within said body, means for operating said rotatable contact to open and close the circuit and means for inclosin said trays.

5. An auxiliary switch including, a series of insulating tray sections each tray providing a circuit opening and closing means and having a pair of switch arms therein, a ro tatable contact having an insulating body portion, and a brush-like contacting means extending therethrongh to contact with said switch arms, means for operating said contact members in unison in each of said trays to close and open one or a series of circuits at predetermined points, and means for adjusting the opening and closing position of the respective circuits controlled by said trays without changing the master operating means for all of said contact members.

6. An auxiliary switch having a unit type multi-stage structure including, a series of superimposed trays formed of insulating material, switch opening and closing means within each of said trays, said trays being separable one from the other, means for operating the circuit closing means of the respective trays in unison, and means for indicating the respective circuit connections of each tray on a card indicator carried by the respective trays.

7. An auxiliary switch having a sectional nature to provide a series of circuit controls, each section of which is insulated one from the other to prevent arcing between the elements in one tray and those in adjacent trays when the switch is opened under load, an operating shaft extending centrally through said sections, a heavily insulated rotatable contact for operating the circuits within each tray, and means for operating said contacts simultaneously.

8. An electric switch comprising, a series at insulating tray sections, which are adapted to control an electric circuit, said tray sections being of a cross-like formation, wire receiving channels down the outsides of said sections, a hollow base for receiving said sec tions through which the wire is adapted t extend from the conduit, means for support ing said base, a cylindrical tubular housing adapted to extend over said tray sections, a cover mounted thereon, circuit opening and closing means within said trays, means for operating said circuit opening and closing means together, and means for adjusting said tray sections to open and close circuits at a predetermined point independent of said op erating means for the circuits in the respective tray sections.

9. An electric switch having a sectional formation including, a series of insulating tray units. circuit opening and closing means within said units, said units being superimposed one upon the other, means for holding said units collectively in stacked formation, means -for operating said circuit opening and closing means within each of said sections by a single means, and means for inclosing said s-zections to protect the same against the weather.

10. An electrical switch including, a hollow base portion, a series of insulating crossshaped trays having a hollow nature, circuit opening and closing means positioned within said trays, a cover member of insulating ma terial adapted to fit over the topmost tray, each of said trays having a bottom with :11 open, top, a removable circuit indicating can carried by each of said trays to indicate thi circuit of the respective tray thereon, a tubular casing for inclosing said trays, and a cover adapted to be locked over said trays and in engagement with said tubular casing.

11. An electric switch including, a hollow base portion, a sectional electric circuit operating means supported upon a standard including superimposed trays, a tongue and groove connection therebetween, an operating member carried by said standard, a means for operating said member, a housing for inclosing said circuit operating means, said sectional circuit operating means including a series of superimposed insulating trays, switch means within said trays operable by said operating member.

12. An electric switch made up of a series of sections which provide circuit operating means, said sections being formed of insulating material and nested one with the other, circuit indicating card means carried by said sections, means for operating said sections to control electric circuits by each of said sections, said switch being expandable or contractable by the number of sections, and a housing for inclosing said sections to protect the same.

13. An electric switch including, a series of sectional insulating trays, circuit opening and closing means within said trays, including pivoted switch arms supported by conductor mountings within said trays, a separable rotating contact axially positioned in said trays having the body portion thereof formed of insulating material, and a contact member extending therethrough to open and close the circuits of said tray sections, said rotating contacts being separable from their respective trays, and means for operating said rotatable contacts in unison.

14. The combination, a series of insulating tray sections, circuit opening and closing means within said tray sections, said tray sections being superimposed one in relation to the other to provide a multi-stage auxiliary switch. means for operating the circuit opening and closing means within each of the trays simultaneously, and means for rotating the trays while held in stacked relation to move all of the trays together to change the relative opening and closing position of the circuits operated by each of the trays. 15. An electric switch having an expandable sectional nature including, insulating tray-like members having a cross-like formation, a tongue and groove connection therebetween circuit opening and closing means within each of said trays, and means for operating the same in unison.

16. An electric switch including, a series of sectional insulating trays having a cross like formation in superimposed relation, means for adjustably setting said trays collectively to rotate the relative position thereof, switch opening and closing means within each of said trays, a housing for inclosing said trays, means for operating said circuit mined point.

FRED H. COLE. MEINICH SKAU. 

